Golfers aim to qualify for state

A year ago, Vanessa Wilson, a junior, was the lone Bulldogs varsity golfer to qualify for the state tournament.

On Wednesday in Delta at the Western Slope Regional Tournament, Wilson wants to make a return trip to the state tournament slated for May 22-23 at Lake Valley Golf Course in Longmont.

But this year, she doesn't want to go alone.

"I would really like to return to state and do a lot better than last year," said Wilson, who last year shot a 95 at the regional meet to finish in seventh. "I think that I have my game pretty good, better than last year, and I have a pretty good chance of making it to state."

Other golfers who will be making the Wednesday trip are Sarah Haslem, a senior, Melanie Peters, a junior and Lindsey Scott, a sophomore.

"We just need to get in there and have one of our better rounds," said Wilson. "I think that it will be somewhere around 90 to qualify for state. It would be nice to go as a team."

According to coach Tom Dockstader 13 girls and one team qualify for state from the Western Slope region.

"Hopefully, we will have some qualifiers for state," said Dockstader. "I think that they will have to shot in the low 90s. Hopefully, we will be taking two or three golfers from our team."

Dockstader is confidence his team will be able to handle the Delta course.

"The golf course is not that tough as far as length or being very tight," said Dockstader. "If they are on, I think that they can score well."

According to Dockstader, the teams to beat in the regional tournament are Grand Junction Central, Rifle and Eagle.

"Those are the top three teams," said Dockstader. "We are probably No. 4 and Gunnison, Montrose, Durango are all right in there as well."

Haslem, the lone senior on the team, believes the Bulldogs need to concentrate on one thing-golf.

"I think that we are all going to have to play really well," said Haslem. "We really need to be focused and play like we know how. All year long we have been coming in third or fourth place. I think that we have a really good chance and if we all have a good day, we can go to state."